Construction

Panama Canal expansion forces $1B project to raise N.J. bridge

West Coast ports are concerned they'll lose cargo and jobs, while East and Gulf coast ports are scrambling to accommodate the huge “post-Panamax” ships.

By KATIE ZEZIMAAssociated Press

NEWARK, N.J. — Residents of this city's Ironbound neighborhood are familiar with big modes of transport. Jumbo jets fly so low while approaching Newark Airport that it seems one can hop onto a wing. Double-decker trains race through, ferrying passengers to New York City. Trucks rumble down narrow streets where the smell of Portuguese barbecue wafts through the air and Brazilian music emanates from stores and cars.

But some here and in neighborhoods near other East Coast ports are leery of the monster ships that will soon arrive because of a trade project thousands of miles away that they believe will harm their air quality, roadways and waterways.